TLedger.com/Start® | Starting Up Your Device — Ledger® with handling

H1 — Quick overview

This guide walks you through the essential steps to unbox, initialize, and secure your Ledger device (Nano S / Nano S Plus / Nano X / Stax) and pair it with Ledger Live. It focuses on practical steps and security best practices so you keep your private keys offline and safe.

H2 — What you'll need

• A Ledger hardware device (genuine, sealed in box).
• A computer or phone and the official Ledger Live app (download from ledger.com only).
• The recovery sheet included with your device (for writing your 24-word recovery phrase).
• Time, attention, and a private place to write your recovery phrase (never type it digitally).

H2 — Main goals

1. Install Ledger Live from the official site and open the app.
2. Initialize the device: set PIN, write down the recovery phrase.
3. Install apps and update device OS via Ledger Live (if prompted).
4. Understand safety rules: never share the recovery phrase, never download unofficial Ledger apps.

H2 — Step-by-step setup (H3)

H4 — 1. Verify the box and contents

Confirm the device box is sealed and the tamper-evident label is intact. Inside you should find the device, recovery sheets, and USB cable. If anything looks suspicious, contact Ledger Support before proceeding.

H4 — 2. Download Ledger Live (official)

Open ledger.com/start (or ledger.com/ledger-live-download) and download the correct Ledger Live installer for your OS. Do NOT use third-party app stores or links from emails.

H4 — 3. Initialize your device

Power on the device and follow on-screen prompts: choose Set up as new device (unless you're restoring an existing wallet), create a secure PIN, then write the full recovery phrase on the supplied recovery sheet exactly as shown.

H4 — 4. Confirm and secure your recovery phrase

Ledger devices will ask you to confirm a subset of words — do this only on the device screen. Store the recovery sheet offline (consider a fireproof safe or bank safety deposit box). Never photograph, screenshot, or type the recovery phrase.

H4 — 5. Use Ledger Live to install apps & update OS

Open Ledger Live, connect your device, and complete any OS or firmware updates via My Ledger. Updates are important for security and compatibility.

H2 — Security best practices (H3)

Security is the reason for a hardware wallet — but only if you follow safe habits. Keep these rules front and center:

• Only download Ledger Live from ledger.com. Never trust emailed links for installers.
• Ledger will never ask for your recovery phrase — anywhere. If asked, it’s a scam.
• Use a strong PIN and enable device lock screensaver or timeout if available.
• Keep your recovery sheet offline and split backups if needed for extra redundancy.
• Be suspicious of unexpected popups, fake apps, or tech support that asks for keys.

H4 — Handling phishing attempts (H5)

Attackers commonly use fake apps and cloned websites. If you suspect anything, visit Ledger's official Support pages and the phishing status page to verify. When in doubt use the chat widget from the Ledger Help Center.

H2 — Recovery & restore (H3)

If you ever lose your device you can restore access using your 24-word recovery phrase on a new Ledger (or compatible hardware) — but only if you have kept that phrase secret and intact. Never enter your recovery phrase into any website, app, or chat.

H4 — Restoring an existing wallet

Choose Restore device during device setup and enter the 24 words on the device when prompted. After restore, reconnect Ledger Live and re-install apps for each coin.

H2 — Troubleshooting & support (H3)

If you run into issues (device not recognized, update failed, suspicious emails), consult Ledger Support first. Use the official Help Center and chat widget — do not share your recovery phrase with anyone claiming to help.

Tip: Bookmark the official Ledger site and use it every time you need software, support, or security updates.